by Erica Moody

Stopping in Seattle: A Port City Worth Exploring

The best vacations are those that start and end well, leaving you with only positive memories to cherish. That’s why leaving from the vibrant port city of Seattle is a great choice for an Alaska cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships sail from Bell Street Pier along Seattle’s picturesque downtown waterfront, allowing for easy access to explore the birthplace of grunge music and Starbucks coffee on a pre- or post-cruise adventure. These are a few highlights you’ll find.

Coffee, Wine & Beer

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Pike's Place Market

Seattle is well-known for its coffee culture—in fact, the city’s residents consume more coffee than any other city in the country. That’s not surprising, since Starbucks launched here in 1971. You can even visit the original Starbucks in downtown Seattle for a morning jolt of java before exploring the city. Or try a strong Ethiopian brew at Kaffa Coffee & Wine Bar. If you are really a coffee connoisseur, you can take a walking tour devoted solely to the city’s coffee scene. 

Wine and beer lovers are also in for a treat—Washington state has the second-largest number of wineries in the U.S. after California, and many of the best ones are just a short drive from the city. Take a Norwegian shore excursion to Woodinville, a charming river valley town in Columbia Wine Country. You’ll first stop at Chateau Ste. Michelle, a renowned winery on the estate of a lumber baron that offers separate wineries for reds and whites. If beer is more your speed, the Seattle metro region boasts more breweries than any city in the country. Whether you’re looking for saisons, stouts and everything in between, Seattle has you covered. Grab a pint at Old Stone Brewing—it’s conveniently located inside Pike Place Market and offers lovely waterfront views.

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Norwegian Pearl in Seattle

Unique Museums

Whatever you’re interested in, Seattle probably has a museum for that. Art and architecture, history and culture, science and technology—all are covered in the city’s more than 40 unique museums. Fascinated by Seattle’s music history? Visit the Museum of Pop Culture to view the world’s largest collection of artifacts honoring Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana, housed in a stunning Frank Gehry-designed building. Love the glass art of Dave Chihuly? The Chihuly Garden and Glass museum brings together the blown glass innovator’s work with large architectural installations, drawings, signature glass series and personal collections.

Air travel enthusiasts of all ages will love the Museum of Flight, the largest private air and space museum in the world. Impressive aircraft on display include the world’s first fighter plane from World War I and the world’s first jet airliner. Eager to learn all about Seattle? The “True Northwest” gallery of the Museum of History & Industry provides a chronological history of the city. Seeking an offbeat experience? Visit the Rubber Chicken Museum, Seattle Pinball Museum or the Museum of Curious Things, a classic Airstream packed with fascinating cultural artifacts.

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Monorail through the Museum of Pop Culture

Contact one of our expert agents to book your Norwegian cruise today!

 

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